Rachel asks – “From start to finish, how long does it take you to dye up a skein of yarn?”

That’s a hard question to answer, since I’ve never really dyed just one skein (the very first practice skein aside… boy that seems like a long time ago). But this I do know for sure. On days that I dye, from dry, undyed yarn through to drying the dyed yarn on the drying rack…. that takes anywhere from 6-10 hours depending on how I dye it and how many skeins I dye. That does not include the time it takes for the yarn to dry, to re-skein (those skeins that I have to split), tagging, photographing, etc.

Amanda wants to know – “If your name wasn’t Sarah, what would you want it to be?”

I love random questions! Well, let’s see, when I was about 12 and it seemed that all the girls in my class  were named either Dawn, Heather, Angie or  Missy, I thought I wanted my name to be Dawn or Heather. That passed by the time I was 13. But, if I had to choose now, I would say Claire. Just adore the name Claire.

Diane from Australia wants to know – “How do you come up with the names for your colors? Do you dye to fit a name or the name emerges from the color?”

Bob and I have the same problem ok, maybe not a problem, but a challenge. We have so many interests. I love everything from travel, classic movies (and some not so classic), to books, pop culture, history, current events, retro/vintage fashion and more. All of those interests find their way to my yarn.

There are times I dye with a specific name in mind (for instance, Plucky Classics colorways), but I’m very much a “serendipity” dyer – so more often than not, the name emerges from the color.

Kari asks – “What colors do you gravitate towards most when dyeing?

Personally, my favorite colors are colors that are just a step below total saturation…. sort of a faded version of their fully vibrant selves. I love tone-on-tone versions of colors. Love greens, blues, browns and deep reds. However, I appreciate all colors and know that there is a color for everyone, so I try to dye up a little of everything. Oh, and I love colors that have a vintage feel to them, you know, something your Grandma would have used.

Moolitbeach wants to know – “What happens to the yarn that doesn’t come out the way you planned? Do you make cushiony forts out of it and snuggle inside with Mr. Plucky eating ice cream in your pajamas?”

That is quite the mental picture!!! Because of the way that I dye (I’m more of a let’s see what happens when I use this color, then add a little of that and then oooh, wouldn’t it be fun if…..) there aren’t too many mistakes, just surprises. However, the yarn that isn’t as serendipituous as I’d like – well, those show up in the big three day weekend sales I’ve started having this summer.

Goldengirls asks – “What kind of camera do you use?”

Ahh. My camera. How I love, love, love my camera. Canon Digital Rebel XT. Don’t forget the lenses, the lenses make a ton of difference (how’s that for a technical answer?). I have three lenses that I use all the time.  There is so much I have yet  to learn about photography – it’s quickly becoming quite the hobby for me – in fact, time permitting, I have some tentative plans to take a digital photography class this Fall.  Very rarely do I  leave home without my camera.

Mick wants to know – “Do you use the colors that the dye comes in or do you custom mix everything, or do you do a bit of both?”

Except for black – I custom mix everything. I’m too much of a fiddler and tweaker to use just the straight dye and, besides, half the fun is mixing it up!

Stacey asks – “How did you decide which characters to use in the first installment of Plucky Classics? And how did you know Cpt. Wentworth is one of my favorites?”

Stacey, I had no idea the Captain was one of your favorites, but I’m so not surprised! Isn’t he fabulous?!?! When I decide on a character to be the inspiration for a colorway it is  usually  because they are a focal point of a story (or, on the flip side, sometimes a very random character in a story)  and they have a unique/strong personality. And, great costumes never hurt either!

Kai asks – “What makes you click the shutter on the camera? Do you “see” an image/photo before clicking?”

I do ALOT LOT LOT of clicking. I’d say it’s a good 50/50 – see an image and click and other times it’s just “Ohhh, how’d I get that picture!?!”

Mr. Arent-I-Pretty wants to know – “Dear Mrs. Plucky – I have a random question. I’ve been wondering….. Why is it the menfolk always beat the womenfolk at Trivial Pursuit?”

First of all Mr.  Aren’t I, have you been watching The Waltons? Second, it is only because of the scheming and plotting on the part of you boys (Spiking  a persons  drink with, what can only be described as gasoline flavored liquor, so not fair!). We girls demand a rematch. See you in December – you should be afraid. Very. Very afraid.

Shelbs with Mrs. Pretty and Mr. Aren’t I Pretty

Rasta Sock

That’s it for today. I’ll be sure to answer more tomorrow and announce the winner of the Plucky Tote.

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